Portuguese pride on exhibit in Newark

Pride filled the streets of Newark Saturday at the annual Portuguese Festival.

Nearly 500,000 turned out for the event, which is New Jersey?s biggest cultural festival. The festivities continue Sunday, with a parade kicking off at 3 p.m.

The festival was nearly canceled due to a lack of funding, but organizers managed to pull the event together as scheduled. The event is held the same day each year to celebrate Dia de Portugal, a holiday overseas which honors Portuguese accomplishments.

Newark?s Ironbound section is home to approximately 30,000 Portuguese residents. Attendees say it?s important to remember the traditions of the old country.

"I think it's great for kids to experience roots and food and friendships,? one attendee told News 12 New Jersey. ?Holds us together.?